ARTHROSCOPIC SYNOVECTOMY OF THE ELBOW FOR RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

The short-term assessment of arthroscopic synovectomies of the elbow i n patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed that 93% achieved a short- term rating of excellent or good on the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. At the most recent assessment at an average of 42 months, however, onl y 57% maintained excellent or good results; four had required total el bow replacement. Although rehabilitation is facilitated by an arthrosc opic procedure the results deteriorate more rapidly than after open sy novectomy. This may be due to the limitations of the arthroscopic tech nique and is consistent with experience of the similar procedure in th e knee. Recognition of the short-term gain and the potential for serio us nerve injury should be considered when offering arthroscopic synove ctomy.